Sanford’s Town Council has arrived at a good stopping point for the ongoing controversy over Councilor Alan Walsh and the poor judgment he showed on the night of May 15.
As it stands now, the council has avoided censuring Walsh or pursuing his complaint of police mistreatment ”“ two prudent decisions. It may seem to demand a better resolution, but the council should end the drama by lowering the curtain.
We see several reasons for concluding the matter with Tuesday’s votes.
”“ The events and consequences of the May 15 incident have been independently examined and publicly disclosed.
”“ Councilors have spoken hotly and at length on this issue, and have heard from the public.
”“ The votes show the reluctance of a majority on the council to proceed in the face of public disapproval.
The council’s investigation and debate was needed to establish the facts behind allegation of Walsh’s misuse of authority. Now that the facts are known, councilors should agree to move on and not allow dissension to interfere with the responsibilities of leadership.
We’re in sympathy with those who criticize Walsh’s attitude during the May 15 incident. It’s difficult to read the $15,000 report commissioned by the council without concluding that Walsh tried (unsuccessfully) to use his influence with police during a noise complaint investigation at a party he was attending.
The report also raises questions about whether police officers should have handled events differently. But when Walsh was later arrested for OUI, the record shows that officers had good cause and that he was promptly released after a breath test indicated he was not legally intoxicated.
This controversy should send a clear signal about where an elected official’s authority ends. For good reason, state law and ethics guidelines have long made it clear that councilors and selectmen have no direct authority over police officers and other municipal staff. Walsh stepped over this line repeatedly on May 15, introducing himself to one officer as “Councilor Walsh,” and asking another, “Do you know who I am?”
Officers eventually told Walsh that everyone gets treated the same, and the bruising controversy may have been a sufficient lesson in the limits of political power. It’s likely to be a long time before any Sanford councilor is inclined instruct a police dispatcher: “Any problems, call my cell, OK?”
Censure would be a formal but toothless reprimand. Leaving matters where they stand now might make it easier for lessons to be learned, and for the council’s essential collaborative spirit to be restored.
— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
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